What's in Season This Summer

What’s in Season This Summer: Fruits and Veggies

It used to be obvious which fruits and vegetables were in season by simply walking through the produce section. If produce wasn’t in season it either wasn’t in sight or the price per pound was quadrupled. More and more consumers can find almost anything any time of year. But, there remain several advantages to sticking with in-season produce. Not only do they have a fresh, full taste, but they can often be available through local farms. Many times grocers will run sales on seasonal produce. And some experts would reason that local, fresh produce in season will retain more nutrient value.

When spring hits, many of us begin to anticipate warm-weather produce that will start to pop-up. Starting now you can shop your favorite grocery store or farmer’s market and find:

June

July

August

Apricots

Carrots

Green Beans

Beets

Blackberries

Raspberries

Cantaloupe

Peaches

Peppers

Spinach and other greens

Cabbage

Corn

Herbs

Potatoes

Rhubarb

Radishes

Onions

Strawberries

Asparagus

Cherries

Apricots

Carrots

Green Beans

Beets

Blackberries

Raspberries

Cantaloupe

Peaches

Peppers

Spinach and other greens

Cabbage

Corn

Herbs

Potatoes

Tomatoes

Squash including zucchini

Peas

Watermelon

Apricots

Carrots

Green Beans

Beets

Blackberries

Raspberries

Cantaloupe

Peaches

Peppers

Spinach and other greens

Cabbage

Corn

Herbs

Tomatoes

Squash including zucchini

Peas

Watermelon

Okra

Eggplant

Moving into late summer will bring even more vegetables and fruits! For now, you may want to get this particular B vitamin and potassium packed fruit in your grocery cart while it is in its prime this month – CHERRIES!

At less than 100 calories and 3g of fiber per cup, and as much potassium found in a banana, cherries provide nutritional punch. Cherries also contain flavonoids. Flavonoids are a powerful antioxidant which help: 1. rid our bodies of damaging free radicals; 2. have been shown to slow cancerous cell growth, and 3. give cherries their distinct deep red pigmentation. The more crimson-purple in color (versus bright red) the more flavonoids. The anti-inflammatory properties in tart cherries have been shown to help in recovery post-exercise and are consumed in juice-form by some athletes. Eaten as a snack, blended in a smoothie, or cooked down to make a sauce, right now this fruit is at its best price and flavor. Enjoy!